The Lakers went into Tuesday’s NBA Draft hoping to find someone who could help right away and also develop for the future. Los Angeles made a late trade with the New York Knicks, moving up from No. 25 to No. 24 to pick Baylor guard Cameron Carr. The Lakers only had to send cash to New York to get the pick and make sure they got their guy.
College Resume
Carr comes to Los Angeles after a standout season at Baylor that really raised his draft profile. After transferring from Tennessee, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 49.4 percent overall and 37.4 percent from three.
Carr was a steady scorer all season, putting up 25 points or more in several games. He showed he can score in different ways and used his athleticism to finish strong at the rim. He also improved as a rebounder, grabbing double-digit boards three times.
His mix of shooting, athleticism, and physical skills made him one of the draft’s fastest risers.
Offensive Tools
Carr’s offensive game stands out right away. He’s comfortable playing with or without the ball, can take advantage of defenders who overcommit, and has shown he can hit outside shots at a good rate.
His athleticism should help fix one of the Lakers’ main problems last season. The team often had trouble keeping up with faster, more athletic opponents. Carr brings more speed and energy, and he can finish fast breaks and make highlight plays at the rim.
Scouts think his offense will translate to the NBA, especially if he keeps getting better at catch-and-shoot opportunities next to experienced playmakers.
Defensive Upside
Even with his offensive skills, Carr’s long-term success will probably depend on how much he improves on defense. He needs to get stronger and play more physically. He already has a great wingspan and can jump well, but adding muscle and being more consistent should help him guard bigger players in the NBA.
If he makes those improvements, Carr could become a dependable player on both offense and defense, not just someone who scores off the bench.
A Pick That Fits Both the Present and Future
The Lakers have said all offseason that they want to get better without giving up future options. Picking Carr fits that plan.
Carr might not play a big role right away, but his athleticism, shooting, and potential give the Lakers another young player to develop alongside their veterans.
By moving up one spot, the Lakers made sure they got the player they wanted. If Carr keeps improving as he did at Baylor, this small trade could turn out to be one of the best moves of the draft.
